A body has been found in the search for a missing man.

Sussex Police confirmed last night that a body had been found in the search for 19-year-old Lewis Glanfield, from Littlehampton.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “We are extremely sorry to update that a body has been found in the search for 19-year-old Lewis, who was reported missing from Littlehampton.

“His next of kin have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.”

The statement came after emergency services were called to Shoreham beach just after 2.30pm yesterday after a body was discovered by a member of the public.

The Coastguard helicopter searched the area and Shoreham RNLI looked up and down the seafront between Shoreham and Lancing.

A bystander told The Argus: "It is horrifying, we thought it was something to do with an unexploded ordinance on the beach at first but then we found out it was a body.

"There was a huge emergency services presence down there. They taped off quite a big cordon on the scene. 

"There were coastguard, police and a helicopter. Quite a few people were watching."

A spokesman from Shoreham RNLI said: "Our all weather lifeboat was launched on Friday afternoon with other emergency services to an incident off Lancing. Along with the coastguard helicopter, Shoreham Coastguard and Sussex Police.

"We carried out a search of the shoreline and sea. Sadly, a body was recovered from Lancing beach.

"Our thoughts are with the person’s family at this difficult time."

A Coastguard spokeswoman said: "HM Coastguard was alerted to an incident at Shoreham just after 2.50pm this afternoon. The police and ambulance service were also sent."